COUNTYWIDE : Retiree, 80, Invents Answers to Problems

Don’t expect 80-year-old retiree Harry Hahn to sit back helplessly and accept new aches and inconveniences.

No, this Huntington Beach man is determined to solve such problems. Calling on his years of experience as a model-maker at Mattel toys and lifelong habit of tinkering, he builds seemingly wacky inventions that make life--or at least his life--a little easier.

When in-grown toenails bothered him, he created “Toe-Tab,” a bandage-like device that forces the nail to grow away from the flesh.

When prostate problems made numerous nighttime trips to the bathroom necessary, he invented “Le John,” a two-piece contraption that allows men to relieve themselves without leaving the comfort of bed.

Two of Hahn’s creations are on display Tuesday during the Senior Celebration arts and crafts expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

“Le John” is a typical Hahn invention, which he designed with simplicity, practicality and utility in mind. “I relate to things that I can use in my own life,” said Hahn, who holds two patents and has come up with 20 inventions. “They are not fancy . . . but they work.”

He builds his contraptions the old-fashioned way, using mostly hand tools in the garage of his mobile home. It’s slow and meticulous work, which begins with sketches and usually includes the construction of three or four models before the invention is just right.

His one-cup coffee maker took several years to perfect. He and his wife use it many mornings and “don’t waste a drop of coffee.” His home also boasts a special sliding-glass door lock with a long handle designed for senior citizens who find it difficult to bend down.

Then there is his portable bingo game. Instead of bingo balls, the numbers and letters are printed on wood tiles that are picked from inside a box. Each tile snaps into its coordinating square on the bingo board.

None of Hahn’s inventions are sold in stores. He admits that he hasn’t tried as hard as he could to market his products. But his fortunes might change with “Le John.”

He’s already sold a handful of the devices and was asked to present his invention at a local senior citizens center this week. “I might have something here,” he said.

But even if his invention doesn’t make a mint, Hahn said he is content building things that make his life easier and his mind alert. “It keeps me busy, and I enjoy it,” he said.